BON ODORI – Japanese Culture Festival in VILNIUS, LITHUANIA 2026

On 5–6 September, the courtyard of the House of Histories will transform into a little piece of Japan in the heart of Vilnius. The free two-day BON ODORI Japanese Culture Festival invites visitors to discover Japanese traditions through dance, live music, art, martial arts, creative workshops and authentic flavours.

One of the festival’s main highlights will be a performance by the 22-member “Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Kikusui-ren” troupe arriving from Tokyo. Audiences will experience the energy of traditional Awa Odori dance accompanied by live music, taiko drums and Japanese instruments.

Visitors will also be invited to join a traditional Bon Odori community dance led by Japanese culture promoter Ayano Honda. No previous dance experience is required – everyone is welcome to step into the circle and dance together.

The festival programme includes creative workshops, Japanese calligraphy, sumi-e painting, ikebana, sashiko embroidery, kimono culture, traditional crafts, talks about Japan, Aikido and Kyokushin karate performances, a Japanese goods market, a food courtyard and activities for the whole family.

Admission to the festival is free. Advance registration is required for selected workshops, and some workshops may have a separate participation fee.

The festival is organised by VšĮ “Dozo” and the Asian Arts Centre. The project is funded by Vilnius City Municipality.

Full programme and workshop registration: https://japonukulturosfestivalis.lt/